South Korean police have launched an investigation into a foreign ministry employee who tried to sell a hat allegedly owned by K-pop supergroup BTS member Jungkook.

Local media say the hat was placed for sale on an online flea market site last month for 10 million won, or 7,100 dollars.

The seller reportedly wrote that the BTS member left the hat when he visited the ministry's passport division. The seller claimed to have obtained ownership because no one came forward to claim the hat for six months after it was reported as lost property.

The seller faced a flood of criticism. Police reportedly identified the person as a ministry employee who admitted to having tried to sell the hat. The seller's claim of reporting the hat was not confirmed by authorities.

Media say BTS' management agency acknowledged the member had lost a hat at a foreign ministry office.

The seller is reported to have handed the hat to police and resigned from the ministry.

Media report the seller could be charged with taking ownership of lost property without notifying the police.